easily rectified if the mother eliminates that food) The suckling action allows the baby to develop strong jaw muscles that encourage the growth of straight and healthy teeth Breast fed babies are also less likely to develop tooth decay compared to bottle fed babies Babies who are premature or born with medical problems have also been shown to benefit from breast feeding Babies who are breast fed have a stronger bond with their mothers. Some studies have shown that breast fed babies grow up to be socially more independent than their formula fed counterparts Babies who are breast fed tend are generally held more closely than bottle fed babies. The skin to skin contact between mother and baby provides comfort for the baby that has just been removed from the protective environment of the womb.

Although breastfeeding is not without it own difficulties (mostly in the initial stages as it gets easier with time), I would think that given the overwhelming benefits, it's worth any inconvenience.

Additionally, we should not neglect the fact that breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mother - even more reasons to breastfeed:

The suckling action of the baby indirectly results in the contraction of the uterus, protecting the mother from post-partum bleeding Exclusive breast feeding is 99% effective in preventing a second pregnancy the first six months post delivery Decreases the risk of developing iron-deficient anemia More rapid and sustained weight loss (milk production uses 200-500 calories a day) Decrease the risk of developing breast, ovarian and uterine cancers Current literature suggest that breast feeding may help protect against osteoporosis

It is also found that breastfeeding helps strengthen the maternal instinct. From the scientific perspective, the psychosocial benefits are a little more difficult to analyse, however one particular study found that mothers with a history of abandonment are less likely to abandon their babies if they breastfeed the baby.

The recommended duration for breastfeeding

Currently, the general recommendation is to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, and to continue breastfeeding with other sources of nutrition up to 1 year. However, more and more research shows that it may be worthwhile to extend breastfeeding beyond the first year and that the benefits of breastfeeding continue even before the first year.

Breastfeeding.com stated that: in comparing humans to other primates, research showed that a human's natural age of weaning is a minimum of two and a half years and a maximum of between six and seven years.

Current guidelines:

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months of life and continued breastfeeding until at least two years.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a minimum of one year, but offers no upper limit.

Learn more about this author, Shen-Li Lee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

---

Add your voice

Know something about Breastfeeding is best?
We want to hear your view. Write now!